'Court backlog' pushes park disorder trial to 2028

The group was charged after police were called to Eden Lane Park in Peterlee

Seven people accused of alleged disorder in a park have been told by a judge they will have to wait two-and-a-half years for their trial.

The six men and woman - aged between 23 and 51 - were charged with racial offences and affray following a disturbance at Eden Lane Park, Peterlee, County Durham, on 30 August.

An earlier hearing was told a police officer allegedly saw one of the men accused make a ''Nazi gesture'' and shout ''white power".

Bailing the accused at a hearing at Teesside Crown Court, Judge Richard Clews said: "Unfortunately, a substantial backlog here and at most courts means the earliest your trial can take place is the 27 March 2028.''

Nicholas Churchman, 36, of Edenhill Road, Peterlee, pleaded not guilty to a racially aggravated public order offence and a charge of affray.

Lewis Crow, 30, of Yoden Road, Peterlee, denied stirring up racial hatred after he was alleged to have posted on Facebook about the group using the park.

Lee Hall, 44, from Gilesgate, Durham, denies a charge of affray, which is said to have occurred when he was in his car and an officer allegedly saw him make a "Nazi gesture" and shout "white power".

Melvyn Foley, 51, of Ashton Rise, Peterlee, also denies affray which relates to an allegation he threw missiles at the people in the park while he wore a balaclava.

Adele Horner, 36, of a separate property in Edenhill Road, Peterlee, also denied affray, which was said to have occurred during an alleged altercation with police.

Leighton Lee, 23, of Conyers Crescent, Horden, denied affray, related to an allegation that he threw eggs and stones towards families in the park, and was alleged to have said to police that officers were helping them "take over the country".

Curtis Russell, 23, of Basingstoke Road, Peterlee, also denied affray relating to an allegation that he was trying to stir up the crowd and encourage violence.